Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Random Review: Never Too Late~ A Beaten Track Publishing Anthology #Review #Giveaway






Language: English
Published: 7th December, 2017
Publisher: Beaten Track

Reviewed by Racheal

About the Anthology





Never Too Late is a collection of nine stories featuring characters over the age of fifty - stories of travel, finding your purpose, of friendships past and present, and of love. Never Too Late brings you to a world where gender sees no borders, where the only way you're identified is by the goodness of your heart.




STORIES:
Trapped by Ofelia Gränd
Ashes and Alms by A.M. Leibowitz
The Palette - A Lifetime by Caraway Carter
Clara by Hans M Hirschi
To Be Sure by Debbie McGowan
Nectar by Laura Susan Johnson
Moving by J P Walker
Cue The Music by Alexis Woods
Ocean of Tears by Phetra H. Novak








Review

I have never been given the opportunity to review an Anthology before and was very honored to review this one. Reading these short stories from the many authors brought to light the struggles that were once placed upon our LBGTQ  community and the struggles that we still see happening today. As well as, some that were just stories of love, muses, and struggles of periods long forgotten. 

Debbie McGowan showed me the strength of a woman who raised two boys on her own in a time period where it was unheard of to leave your husband. That in itself showed me the strength of the character that she wrote about in her short story "To Be Sure." Saorla's character was written so powerfully in the eyes of the author even though the character herself didn't see it. She was a single mother that left an abusive husband and stayed with a loving woman. Although, it saddens me that both Sarola and Aileen had to hide their true feelings. Their strength is what carried them through the years. Such an amazing and truthful read according to the times.

Nectar by Laura Susan Johnson was truly an eye-opening read for me as a reader and as a woman. I think as an American woman I tend to take for granted a lot of the freedoms that I have, complain about things that other women in different countries would consider trivial. As the story of Negdar was laid bare, I struggled with the character's life story. I tried to see her life through the author’s telling of it. Parts of it broke me to pieces while the strength of her character throughout made me proud to be a woman. She loved hard through the toughest of times. Found her happiness in a woman that understood her. Made long journeys, lost loved ones and in the end, was able to look back on her life and still find happiness at the end.

In JP Walkers short story " Moving by" I got an insight into the character of Maggie. I was able to connect with the feelings of confusion when she heard of her first love’s death. Although I have never experienced the death of a first love, I have experienced the feeling of loss. The what if's, the could have been’s. That time in your life of sitting back and reflecting on the past. But just like Maggie, once that journey is over and you take a look around at the future that you have made with your partner all the what if's and the could have been’s disappear. Because what you have already built is what was meant to be.

Cue The Music by Alexis Woods...

In this powerful story of a man who drowns his sorrows in a friend's bar while playing his guitar and singing away his pain. For Ty Anderson, this is how he manages his feelings after a painful break-up from his husband Mark. While his husband sits at the bar struggling with the same despair. Listening to the love of his life pour out his heart. This is a story of crossroads for these married men. A powerful realization of where they both went wrong in their marriage. A time period where a lot of married couples face. I was overcome with many emotions as I sat and read their incredible story. So many couples take for granted what they have and at times divorce may sound so easy; it's the hard road at times that makes a marriage strong. Not to say that divorce isn't necessary in some cases but with their stories like Ty and Marks it gives me hope with mine.


"Ocean of Tears" by Phetra H Novak is the last story in this beautiful collaboration. It is a remarkable tale of an older musician who has lost his inspiration to write music. Through the 53-year-old character of Karl Meeke, I was able to feel his struggles as he embarked on his journey to self-understanding, just by being around a younger man. A man who was so different from himself but yet was able to see Karl for the man he truly was. Although Karl struggled with their ages and occupations he found not only his muse for his writings but a love he never knew he wanted or needed. This story was so very inspirational. A great story to end such a remarkable masterpiece of writings by so many authors.







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Audiobook Review: A Kind of Home by Lane Hayes Narrated by Seth Clayton #Review #Giveaway





Author: Lane Hayes
Narrator: Seth Clayton
Title: A Kind of Home
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Publication date: December 4, 2017
Length: 8 hours 56 minutes

Reviewed by Racheal


Synopsis

A Kind Of Story

Isaac Dalton is the guitarist for Spiral, arguably the biggest rock band in the world. The band’s meteoric rise to superstardom has its perks, but fame and fortune aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Nonstop touring and performing exhaust him, and when an overzealous fan makes it imperative that Isaac travel with a clingy bodyguard, he is ready for a break from the madness. More so when his newly single first crush shows up on his doorstep. The man is strictly off-limits. He’s a memory from a place Isaac would rather leave behind. And he’s straight.

Fun-loving former athlete slash construction worker Adam McBride desperately needs a new beginning. And New York City is the perfect place to start over and think about how to rebuild his life. A short stint as roommates with his brother’s best friend from high school seems like a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, when friendship gives way to fierce attraction, both men find themselves in unchartered and possibly dangerous territory. Isaac has to decide if he’s willing to take the ultimate risk for a kind of love and a kind of home he never dreamed possible.



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Review

Lane Hayes definitely does not disappoint with this magnificent masterpiece A Kind of Home and it is beautifully narrated by Seth Clayton. 

Isaac Dalton thought he finally found his place in the world. Being a well-known guitar player in a rock band that is taking the nation by storm! Coming from a broken family in a small unknown town to the high life of the Big Apple is more than he could have ever dreamed. However, with fame comes long days, endless nights, long frames of time being away from home not to mention never having privacy and your life being plastered everywhere for the world to see. At home, he comes face to face with his best friends brother Adam McBride. Adam is also going through some life changes and needs a place to crash for the time being.

Just what Isaac needs right now in his life, his straight walking fantasy living in the room down the hall from his. The man who is messing with his heart and mind doesn't seem to have a plan but makes him laugh and start to see life a little differently. One night changes the course of their friendship. Which now only leaves Isaac more confused with his feelings and mounting stress regarding things happening in his career. 

Seth Clayton truly brought both characters of Isaac and Adam alive through his storytelling. He captured both of their personalities by the way he was able to take on each of their characters.


I enjoyed getting lost in the world that was just created for Isaac and Adam. Their story was powerful, in-depth and made me open my eyes and see beyond just their outer beauty.







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Review Tour: Dream by Garrett Leigh #Review #Giveaway



Universal Buy Link: books2read.com/DreamGL

Length: 60,000 words approx.

Cover Design: GDLeigh @Black Jazz Design

Cover Photo: Dan Burgess @Moonstock Photography

Blurb

I can’t sleep…

When unrequited love leaves Dylan Hart sleepless and nursing his wounds, instinct draws him to the one place he's found mindless respite in the past—Lovato’s. It’s a place for every fantasy — for crazy-hot encounters — where a night of insane NSA sex brings relief to Dylan’s fragile feelings.

It should be a perfect escape, and for one magical night it seems that way, but then worlds collide, and reality bites when his hookup desperately needs a friend. Surely Dylan can’t trust his instincts when friendship has bruised his heart so badly before?

It’s burying me alive…

The deck is stacked against former ballet dancer Angelo Giordano ever finding real love. At least visiting Lovato’s offers respite from a life defined by illness; a glimmer of light in the dull grey of his so-called life without dance. But then he encounters Dylan — a glorious ray of the brightest sunshine — who makes his heart pound once more with purpose.

Angelo’s mind is blown by this man, but the disease that ended his career won’t let him bask in new love. He’s drowning, and Dylan can’t save him while insecurities swamp them both. The only way to make it means confronting their demons.

If Dylan can turn his back on the past, and Angelo can face his uncertain future, maybe they can chase their dreams together.


Review

Garrett Leigh is an author that is new to me. 
Angelo suffers from a debilitating disease, forcing him to end a career in dance and into running his families failing deli.  He’s grumpy and irritable because of the loss of a career he truly loved, and running the deli exacerbates his illness, but he sees no way out.

Dylan works in what would be the equivalent to an American welfare office, assisting those in need.  He’s more optimistic, often taking on more responsibility for others than he really should.

A night out brings them together at a sex club, then Fate steps in to bring them together again.  A relationship based originally on sex soon transforms into something more.
There’s a line in the book that truly stuck out to me. 
  “After all, they’d already both conceded that they came to the table with more than one skin.” 

 And that is so true of almost any relationship.  When we initially meet someone, we vow to only be ourselves, and yet we try to put our best face forward:  we wear the best clothes, style our hair, laugh at all of their jokes (even when they’re not funny), and generally do what we can to impress them.  But as time goes on, and we learn more and more about the other person, that first skin falls away, and our true self begins to show through.  I found truth in the metaphor.


While Ms. Leigh may be a new-to-me author, based on the strength of this book, I highly doubt this will be the last book I read by her.



January 23 - Reviews By Virginia Lee, My Fiction Nook, Urban Smoothie Read, The Blogger Girls, Gay Media Reviews, Lelyana's Book Blog, Hearts On Fire Reviews, Gay Book Reviews, Reading In Sarah's Corner, OMG Reads
January 25 - We Three Queens, Book Lovers 4Ever, Joyfully Jay, Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Kimmer's Erotic Book Banter, Sinfully, Mikku-chan
January 29 - Sanaa's Book Blog, Wicked Faerie's Tales & Reviews, My Book Filled Life, Book love
January 31 - Diverse Reader, Jim's Reading Room, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
February 2 - Valerie Ullmer, The Geekery Book Review, Sarandipity Book Reviews, Making It Happen
February 5 - Open Mind For A Different View
February 9 - Bayou Book Junkie, BFD Book Blog, Mirrigold, Unused Napkin, Wicked Reads




Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press.

Garrett's debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with renowned LGBTQA+ photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

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Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Release Day Review: Hurricane Reese by R.L. Merrill #Review #Giveaway





Author: R.L. Merrill
Title: Hurricane Reese
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Length: 205 pages

Reviewed by Racheal

Synopsis

The life of Tony-winning musician Reese Matheson resembles a natural disaster, and caregiver Jude De La Torre is caught in the eye of the storm. But can the love of two opposites survive caring for an ornery octogenarian with wayward balls and a meddling family insistent upon tradition?

Fresh off the successful London run of his musical, the last thing Reese expects when he comes home is a house surrounded by paparazzi and his girlfriend throwing his stuff into the pool. All he wants to do is spend time with his beloved grandfather and musical mentor who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Reese knows he doesn’t have much time left before the elder Matheson forgets who he is. In classic “Hurricane Reese” form, he moves into the cottage by the sea and displaces Jude, the intriguing caregiver he hired two years before. When Grandpa proves too much for Reese to handle on his own, Jude comes to his rescue, taming Grandpa… and the Hurricane as well. Soon all Reese can think about is how to get Jude out of his scrubs and into his bed—permanently. Will Hurricane Reese destroy everything in his path, or will this odd couple learn to harmonize together?


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Review

The starting of this book had me hooked! It was like reading a headline out of one those Hollywood Star Magazines. Heartthrob Reese Matheson comes home to find that his girlfriend of two years has taken it upon herself to claim his condo as her own by throwing all his worldly possessions out the window and into the pool. All while he pleads and begs with her to listen to him the paparazzi are having a field day snapping picture after picture of his break up! 

Not that Reese was surprised at all about the breakup, but he did think Kada had more class than that. Deciding it wasn’t even worth it, he drove to his grandfather's house. The only family he had left, and was determined to be the sole person from now on to care for his grandfather.

Jude couldn't even comprehend what just happened. Fired and lost his home all at once to that overprivileged grandson, who knew absolutely nothing of caring for an elderly man with Alzheimer's.  Just more added to Jude's over-demanding life load. 

It's only when Reese calls in a terrifying panic about his grandfather does Jude consider helping him and only because of the fondness he carries for the older Matheson. 

Lines have been drawn for the two of them working together but the passion is too electrify when they are together and once that lines have been crossed there may be more trouble than either of them ever expected.


Excellent book and there is so much to learn about both of these characters. Never assume you know a person just as they appear to be on the outside.






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Release Day Review: When The Devil Wants In by Cate Ashwood & J.H. Knight #Review #Giveaway




Authors: Cate Ashwood & J.H. Knight
Title: When The Devil Wants In
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Length: 246 pages

Reviewed by Jenn


Synopsis

John Turner has been living a lie most of his life. Growing up in the rural Georgia town of Magnolia Ridge, he's only ever let one person truly know him: his best friend, Chloe. To the rest of the world, they're the perfect couple, but just between them, she's helping John hide in plain sight.

Matt Kinsley, a cop from San Francisco, moves to town looking for a slower pace and to reconnect with his Southern roots. Starting over in Magnolia Ridge means taking a step into the closet, but Matt finds that with John for company, he doesn’t mind so much.

As the two start to explore a possible relationship, a horrific murder rips the town apart but brings John and Matt together in ways neither could've imagined. Matt must decide where his loyalties lie while John resists the urge to run again. Together, they have to discover who the real devil is before another life is destroyed.
 



Buy Links




Review

Imagine living your whole life in a small town where everyone knows you and loves you. Now, imagine hiding the fact that you’re gay and your long time “girlfriend” is really just the best friend you could ever wish for. This is John Turner’s life.

John lives in a community that takes care of their own, so close to his parents that his Momma brings him dinner most nights. He loves his home and his neighbors, but fears they would hate him if they knew his truth. Chloe, his best friend is happy to help him hide in plain sight. Their relationship is such an unconditional form of friendship and love. They have each other’s back, no matter what. John is thrown for a loop one night by a man that feels special, but as always...he runs.

Matt Kinsley, a police officer from San Francisco is new to town. He quickly realizes that the town of Magnolia Ridge is not a place he’ll be able to be out and proud, so he retreats back into the closet.This situation would be easier if he could forget the guy he had a hot one night stand with, a night that felt like...something more. When the two men meet up in town, they quickly recognize that neither is out and act accordingly. Neither though can deny that they want each other! As always, Chloe helps maneuver things for the two men.

A murder will rock the town of Magnolia Ridge and secrets will come out. This town will need to decide if they can love and trust ALL their neighbors.

This story, especially John’s story, really got to me. I’ve said in reviews before how painful it is to me to see a character who has to lie and hide who they are and who they love. I’m able to hold hands in public, I can yell “I love this man” at the top of my lungs if I wish to. It’s heartbreaking and wrong that everyone can’t have those same freedoms. These two authors make John’s life, his fears, and insecurities so real. You feel his need to be free and you also understand the ties that keep him in that town. This book is so well written, the words paint a story you can see in your mind and feel in your heart. These are everyday people that just want love and acceptance. I loved this book, Cate Ashwood has become a favorite for me and J.H. Knight is new to me. These two together wrote a great book that I hope everyone will read! 

All the stars...Love, small town, murder, it had it all!! 





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Monday, January 29, 2018

Exclusive Cover Reveal: Hard To Let Go by Jaclyn Quinn #Excerpt #Giveaway





Title: Hard To Let Go
Author: Jaclyn Quinn
Word count: 75,746
Publication Date: February 19, 2018







Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood



BLURB
Owen Richards lives a quiet life in his small hometown of Haven’s Cove. He has a rewarding life consisting of three very supportive—not to mention feisty—women, and a successful bakery that he owns and absolutely loves. Yet, Owen can’t seem to shake this emptiness inside or the intense feeling that something is missing. A sudden encounter with a man from his past, one he despises, turns his entire world upside down. When Owen finds himself attracted to that sexy man, he questions everything, including his sanity. After all, only an incredibly disturbed person would find that he can’t stop thinking about his high school bully.
Brody Walker never expected to return to Haven’s Cove. He’s made a life for himself in Boston where he can truly be the person he was always meant to be. But an unexpected call has Brody facing all the demons he’d left behind so long ago. Now, he’s faced with not only a difficult goodbye, but one long overdue apology to a man who is no longer that lanky kid from high school. The challenge is to convince the guy he’s changed—and also prove he’s worth taking a chance on.
When passions ignite, truths are exposed, changing beliefs these men have held on to for years. Faced with the knowledge that things aren’t always what they seem, will they choose to hold on to the incredible thing they’ve found…or is it easier to give in to the fear and let go?








EXCERPT
            The sound of tires screeching snapped Owen back to reality, and he slammed on his brakes on reflex. Owen braced himself for the impact that never came then pried his eyes open. Heart pounding, hands shaking, he looked up to see a red truck stopped in front of him on Main Street. Shit, that was a close fucking call. His bright headlights reflected off of the shiny red finish of the truck, blinding him.
Owen jumped out of his car, realizing instantly he’d been in the wrong. He totally blew the stop sign when he got to Main, so used to being the only one on the road at such an early hour.
“Shit! Are you okay? I’m so sorry.” Rushing around his open door to the front side of his car, he watched the other man get out of his truck, the hood of Owen’s car between them. A little further to the right and the guy’s door would’ve been completely blocked by the hood of Owen’s Civic. Owen ran around the back of his car to the passenger side, needing to make sure the other driver was okay.
He saw the beat up work boots first, followed by blue jeans that showcased thick, muscular thighs underneath. The guy wore a plaid flannel over a T-shirt stretched across his broad, muscular chest. What guy wasn’t hot in plaid? The deep voice of the guy vibrated through Owen, telling him that he was fine.
Owen’s eyes landed on the man’s face. It was scruffier, less groomed—the clean-cut baby face from fifteen years ago a mere hint. Still, recognition knocked the wind out of Owen.
“Fuck,” Owen growled, both in shock and with a boiling anger he hadn’t felt in years. He flexed his fingers, squeezing them into fists.
“Dicky―”
Don’t fucking call me that. That’s not my fucking name. Never was.” Blood rushed in Owen’s ears as a fierce rage surged through him. Damn, he wished his brakes had given out and he’d hit the fucker. All the shit that had been weighing on Owen that morning didn’t compare to the rock suddenly sitting on his goddamn chest.
“Owen, I―”
“Save it.” Fuck. If this was the way his day was going to go, he should’ve stayed in bed.
Walking back around his car, Owen got in and slammed his door. He threw the car in reverse, moving far enough back to get around the truck. Kicking it into drive, he avoided looking at the massive roadblock as he swerved around it. Owen took a few deep breaths, trying not to think about shit that went down so long ago—or the fact that he was gripping the steering wheel to settle his shaking hands. Most of them had gone to college and never came back or moved to neighboring towns. It was like he conjured that asshole up. Hell, how many times had that jackass held the fucking magnifying glass while Owen burned?
Doesn’t fucking matter. A lot had changed in the last fifteen years. He wasn’t that gangly, quiet, ashamed-to-be-gay teen anymore, shoved into lockers and harassed on a daily basis. No way in hell his life was going to be affected just because one of the fucking assholes was back. Owen could fucking take care of himself now. Nothing scared him anymore.

And he sure as hell could take on Brody Walker.  






BIO

I have been an artist from a very young age. From drawing cartoon characters and evolving into portraits, making jewelry, photography, and now writing. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends and couldn’t be more grateful.
            I live in central New Jersey, love summers at the Jersey Shore, rock music, wine, sexy men, and laughing a lot with my amazing friends and family. Sunday dinners at my parents’ house are crazy, hysterical and you can count on a movie quote…or ten…being thrown out. Insults between siblings is how we show our love for each other!

            When I’m not creating, you can find me reading books from my favorite authors. I’m a hopeless romantic, starving for passionate characters and always craving that happy ending, whether in reading or in writing my own books.






Giveaway

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Contest will end on February 5th!
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Sunday, January 28, 2018

Exclusive Cover Reveal: Only See You by JD Chambers #Giveaway




Title: Only See You
Series: Only Colorado #2
Author: JD Chambers
Release date - February 6, 2018





Cover designer - Garrett Leigh; blackjazzdesign.com



Synopsis

“I might not be every gay man’s wet dream, but I always get a second look.”

Mal Copol knows who they are: Nonbinary. Awesome. Exhausted. They won’t change for anyone, but just once, they’d like to be the one with relationship potential, not the hookup. Also, not having to fight employers on who they are and how they present themselves would be nice. And while they’re at it, add not getting raised eyebrows at their high heels and tasteful makeup while discussing their latest rock-climbing trip to the wish list. Is that really too much to ask?

“Here I am at twenty-seven, embarking on life, version 2.0.”

Parker McWilliams is breaking free from the constraints of his former life and wife. He’s recapturing his zest to try new things and experience everything to the fullest, instead of the complacency he had fallen into over the past nine years. If one of those “new experiences” happens to be with a certain beautiful and intriguing nonbinary person, well, Parker’s just going to roll with it. Anything contrary to his past life is a good thing.


Mal and Parker keep surprising each other every time they meet. Despite their differences, neither has any interest in fighting their attraction. But when circumstances threaten to keep them apart, the couple must decide if that attraction is enough to overcome the obstacles they face.







About JD Chambers

JD Chambers wanted at various times to be Indiana Jones, Pat Benatar, and Wonder Woman when she grew up. She never considered writing down the stories she crafted in her head. They provided nothing more than entertainment for long drives or sleepless nights, until one particular story insisted it didn’t want to reside only in her noggin.  She hasn’t stopped writing since.

JD finds unlikely heroes, humans courageous enough to be themselves, and spreadsheets incredibly sexy -- the last one much to her husband’s chagrin.  Together, they raise three teenagers and the world’s most mellow Chihuahua on the Oregon Coast.

Links





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Saturday, January 27, 2018

Random Review: Home Is Where You Are by Emjay Haze #Review #Giveaway




Author: Emjay Haze
Book: Home Is Where You Are
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht
Publication date: January 26, 2018
Length: 95 pages

Reviewed by Truus


Synopsis

For a chance at a future filled with love, he’ll have to face a painful past.

Eric, recently dumped by his boyfriend, is summoned home after his dad suffers a stroke. His family farm in rural Vermont holds memories he’d rather forget, but he—with his degree in agricultural business—is needed to clear up a predicament with the bank. In trying to forget the bad, Eric has also lost sight of the good: green meadows dotted with grass-fed dairy cows and the sugar maples that once produced the area’s finest maple syrup. With Eric’s help, they will again.

A captivating farmhand named Phil tempts Eric to give the countryside another chance, but before they can consider being together, Eric must move past more than his feelings for his ex-boyfriend—he’ll need to stand up to the ghosts that sent him running from the farm in the first place….


Buy Links





Review

A sugar-sweet love story.

Eric is devastated. His 'boyfriend' Drew left him and at the same time, his mother calls to tell him his father had a stroke and they need Eric's help...now!

Phil had a crush on Eric since school time. After all these years he’s still smitten with him. He works for Eric's parents... and Eric is surprised to see the very handsome Phil; he can't believe his eyes.
They have to take care of the family business. Phil works hard in the orchard, he is just one with his surroundings. For some reason, this is not Eric's favorite place.

Eric asks Phil if he knows a nice pub or bar in the neighborhood... the only bar Phil visits is a gay bar... could this mean that Phil is also gay?


Eric and Phil developed a sweet romance until something unexpected happens.

A very nice written sweet story about love, friendship, family business, also with childhood trauma, jealousy, miscommunication, and misunderstanding. All these ingredients together ensure an honest, sweet, complete story with a deserved HEA.






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Saturday Author Spotlight: Liv Rancourt #Interview #Giveaway



Liv Rancourt is a veteran in this genre and has written so many amazing books such as, Vespers and Aqua Follies, both which will view today. You'll often see her co-writing with Irene Preston. Today she's our Saturday Spotlight Author and I', so very happy to have her here.
As usual, we have an interview and we will view some of her books, and wrap it up with a giveaway. Get comfortable and enjoy.





Vespers Blurb

Thaddeus Dupont has had over eighty years to forget…

The vampire spends his nights chanting the Liturgy of the Hours and ruthlessly disciplines those unnatural urges he’s vowed never again to indulge. He is at the command of the White Monks, who summon him at will to destroy demons. In return, the monks provide for his sustenance and promise the return of his immortal soul.

Sarasija Mishra’s most compelling job qualification might be his type O blood…

The 22-year-old college grad just moved across the country to work for some recluse he can’t even find on the internet. Sounds sketchy, but the salary is awesome and he can’t afford to be picky.  On arrival he discovers a few details his contract neglected to mention, like the alligator-infested swamp, the demon attacks, and the nature of his employer’s “special diet”. A smart guy would leave, but after one look into Dupont’s mesmerizing eyes, Sarasija can’t seem to walk away. Too bad his boss expected “Sara” to be a girl.

Falling in love is hard at any age…

The vampire can’t fight his hungers forever, especially since Sara’s brought him light, laughter and a very masculine heat. After yielding to temptation, Thaddeus must make a choice.  Killing demons may save his soul, but keeping the faith will cost him his heart.

Vespers is a complete novel with no cliffhanger. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or read as the first book in the Hours of the Night series.






Aqua Follies Blurb


Homophobia.

Russell tells himself he’ll marry Susie because it’s the right thing to do. His summer job coaching her water ballet team will give him plenty of opportunity to give her a ring. But on the team’s trip to the annual Aqua Follies, the joyful glide of a trumpet player’s solo hits Russell like a torpedo, blowing apart his carefully constructed plans.

From the orchestra pit, Skip watches Poseidon’s younger brother stalk along the pool deck. It never hurts to smile at a man, because sometimes good things can come of it. Once the last note has been played, Skip gives it a shot.

The tenuous connection forged by a simple smile leads to events that dismantle both their lives. Has the damage been done, or can they pick up the pieces together?





COMING FEBRUARY 2018


Blurb for Haunted

Noel Chandler had a good reason for leaving the L.A.P.D. for New Orleans, but when he walks into a burned out Garden District mansion, he discovers there are some things he can’t outrun. The spooks can find him anywhere.

As the resident historian for the cable show Haunts and Hoaxes, Professor Adam Morales keeps an open mind about the supernatural. Or that’s what he tells himself, until he meets a man who puts that principle to the test. Noel’s smart, sexy, and has killer cop instincts. One glance from his bedroom eyes has Adam ready to believe anything.

But is Noel haunted, crazy, or just another hoax?

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Interview

Hi, Liv, it’s wonderful to have you back talking with us again. I always enjoy talking with you. You’ve been in the writing business for long enough to maybe know some inside tricks so I’m gonna pick your brain.

Thanks so much for having me, Mere! I’m happy to be here, so go ahead and hit me with questions.

The first thing I’d love to ask you is how do you deal with the pressures and demands of being an author?

Hmm…that’s a hard question for me to answer, because I don’t define my experience as “pressure”, exactly. I love telling stories, and I love the detailed process that goes into making a novel. For me, it’s mostly a matter of time management and discipline…because I’d spend all day on Facebook if I could. (lol!) Right before a new book comes out, I do have moments of “omg what if they hate it?!!!”, but I try to maintain perspective by reminding myself that being in a position to put my stories out there is a huge gift.

What is something you learned early on as an author that you keep with you even today?

Not everyone’s going to love my stuff. The same book can get a five-star review from one person and a one-star from someone else. The only thing I can control is what I put on the page, so I try to make my stories the best they can possibly be.

Are you attending any conferences or signings in 2018?

I’m going to be keeping it local this year. I’m planning on attending the Emerald City Writers Conference, put on by the Seattle chapter of RWA, and then I’ll also be attending Read with Pride Northwest in November. I hope to be teaching &/or speaking at both conferences, and I’ll also participating in the book sales.

You have a new book coming out with Irene Preston. Can you tell us anything about this?

Yes! I’m excited about Haunted! Irene and I will be participating in a Valentine’s Day giveaway, and although we’re “supposed” to be working on Benedictus, the next book in our Hours of the Night series, we decided to have some fun first. (I mean, it’s all fun, but Haunted is a little different than our usual stuff.) We’re still alternating points of view and there are still paranormal elements, but I set out to write the anti-Thad – so there are no somber, religious vampires in this one. The events in Haunted occur during Nocturne, but the closest our regular cast comes to a speaking part is a hard glare from Nohea. Readers who are familiar with our other stories will find lots of goodies, but new readers will have fun too!

How long have you and Irene co-written together and why do you think it works so well?

We started co-writing about a year and a half before Vespers was published, so June ’15 or thereabouts. She kept pestering me to write a vampire story, until I suggested *she* was the one who should write a vampire story. From there, we decided to write one together, but only as long as we were both having fun. That was two novels and two novellas ago, so…
I think we work because our strengths and weaknesses mesh really well. Our voices are complementary – readers can tell the difference between her sections and mine, but the overall impression is coherent. Also, the way we divide tasks happened naturally. For the most part, I get to do the stuff I like (blogging, making teasers, querying review sites) and she gets to do the stuff she likes (fiddling with the AMS ads and managing our accounts at various vendors). We’re still having fun, so I expect there are more books to come.

Have you ever wanted to co-author with anyone else and if so who?

I haven’t really thought about it. The relationship I have with Irene happened spontaneously, and I expect if I ever did agree to work with anyone else, it would be a case where opportunity knocks me upside the head and I have to say yes. There are a couple editors I’d love to work with, however, and a publisher or two…

When you’re in a slump, or suffering a block, what helps you out of it?

Before I started writing seriously, I was the cantor for the Saturday evening Mass at our church. Every week I had to prepare a Communion solo, whether I felt like singing or not. Some weeks were better than others (lol!) but I did learn to stay in the moment and create something independent of my mood, and I think I apply that lesson to writing. I’m rarely “blocked”, and if I find myself stuck, it’s usually because I’m taking the story in the wrong direction. I either work on something else or reroute things so I can keep moving.

Aside from your new book coming out what other things do you have planned for 2018 book wise?

Irene and I are planning to publish Benedictus (Hours of the Night Book 3) in September, and since we’re only about one scene in, we’ve got some work to do. I’m also playing with the sequel to The Clockwork Monk, a novella I make available for free to anyone who signs up for my mailing list. (Click HERE to find it!) Also, I’m editing my NaNoWriMo story – an m/m romance set in 1920 Paris – and hope my agent will be able to find a home for it.

Can you tell your readers and fans how they can follow you on social media?

When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies or teenagers, depending on whether she’s at work or at home. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dog’s cuteness is legendary. She can be found on-line at all hours of the day and night at her website (www.livrancourt.com) & blog (www.liv-rancourt.blogspot.com), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/liv.rancourt), or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/LivRancourt). For sneak peeks and previews and other assorted freebies, go HERE to sign up for her mailing list or join the Facebook page she shares with her writing partner Irene Preston, After Hours with Liv & Irene. Fun stuff!

Fast Fire Questions:

Handwriting or typing?

           Typing. I can’t write with a pen to save my life.

Email or snail mail?

            Email.

Chocolate or vanilla?

            Both.

Tea or coffee?

            Coffee.

Favorite time of day?

            Nap time. 😊

Baths or showers?

            Showers.

Wine or beer?


            BEER.





Giveaway

Liv will be gifting one person with a $10.00 Amazon
Gift Card and their choice of either the ebook Vespers or Aqua Folies.
Contest will end on February 2nd
Thank you!


a Rafflecopter giveaway